"We've had an unfortunate incident that really shouldn't have occurred, but at this time, it is still an active investigation," said Belle Police Chief Tyler Midkiff. "We had one party that did retain counsel and I believe the other has counsel as well."

Mahaney, her lawyer and Dixon's lawyer were present in the courtroom, but Dixon did not appear.

The Maries County Sheriff's Department received a harassment complaint from the Belle Police Department about one week ago regarding the incident. Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman said his department then turned the investigation over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Dixon is the former chief of police in Belle, where he previously worked with Mahaney.

The Republican was elected to his position as Osage County Sheriff in November.